NTSB Factual Report

On November 6, 2003, at 2020 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-181, N80852, was substantially damaged while landing at the Montauk Airport (MTP), Montauk, New York. The certificated commercial pilot was not injured. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the flight, which originated at the Linden Municipal Airport (LDJ), Linden, New Jersey. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the pilot, he approached the Montauk area and attempted to turn on the pilot controlled lighting system at the airport. After several attempts, the only airport lighting the pilot observed illuminated was the windsock. The pilot continued the approach to the airport, and made a "low pass" over runway 24 to scare any deer away. The pilot then entered a left downwind for the runway, and elected to land without runway lights, due to ambient lighting. After the airplane touched down on the runway, during the rollout, the pilot observed deer crossing in front of the airplane from left to right. The pilot turned the airplane to the left to avoid the deer; however, the left wing struck a small stand of trees, substantially damaging the wing.

According to the airport manager at Montauk, the lighting system was tested the following morning, and all lighting except the runway lights illuminated. On following day, the lighting was tested again, and all lights illuminated. The manager added that it had rained the day before the accident, and the lighting control box was wet when examined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's loss of control after performing an evasive maneuver to avoid a deer crossing the unlit runway, which resulted in a collision with trees. Factors related to the accident were the nighttime conditions, the inoperative runway lighting system, and the deer crossing the runway.